No fewer than 28 suspected hoodlums have been arraigned before a Minna Senior Magistrate Court in Niger State for allegedly engaging in various acts of thuggery and being under the influence of drugs on New Year’s Day.

The suspects, residents of Fadikpe and Dutsen Gwari areas in Minna, the Niger State capital, allegedly assembled with dangerous weapons, set tires ablaze, and barricaded roads, causing disruptions to motorists in the affected areas.

The hoodlums escalated the situation by hurling stones at security personnel who were deployed to restore order.

The offenses committed by the suspects contravene several laws, including Section 3(b) of the Niger State Law, which prohibits thuggery, as well as Sections 337 and 97 of the Penal Code Law and Section 5(a)(b) of the Indian Hemp Act of 1990.

When the charges were read, the 28 suspects pleaded guilty.

However, the police prosecutor, Inspector Bello Mohammed, requested the Magistrate Court for an adjournment to enable the police to serve the defense counsel with evidence in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Niger State.

Presiding Magistrate Fati Kabir subsequently adjourned the case until February 12, 2025, and remanded the 28 suspects in a correctional facility pending the continuation of their trial.

New Year’s Day celebration: Court remands 28 suspects for thuggery, use of hard drugs in Niger